With a generous commitment of $500,000 from John and Leslie Moritz, the Neeley School of Business has established the Moritz Institute Fellowship to support ongoing student internships and microfinance research in the Dominican Republic. The 12-month fellowship is a paid position available to a Neeley School undergraduate or MBA student immediately upon graduation.
 
The Moritz Fellow will be based out of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, working with Esperanza International, a microfinance institution and nonprofit organization that aims to free families from poverty through initiatives that generate income and improve health and education. Will Hopper, senior entrepreneurial management major, has been awarded the first fellowship, beginning June 2013 through May 2014.
 
The Moritz Fellow will work in a cross-cultural setting, be proficient in Spanish, and contribute to senior-level projects and programs utilizing leadership, project management and interpersonal skills, gaining a deeper understanding of economic development and portfolio management. Projects can include examining key performance indicators, analyzing efficiencies metrics, and developing marketing materials and social media strategy. The Moritz Fellow will be mentored by an Esperanza International board member.
 
“For the past several years the Neeley School has provided students with internships and unique learning experiences with Esperanza International. This significant commitment by John and Leslie Moritz will enable more life-changing internship opportunities to support Esperanza initiatives that transform the lives of families in the Dominican Republic and Haiti,” said Homer Erekson, John V. Roach Dean of the Neeley School of Business at TCU.
 
In addition to the financial commitment to the Neeley School of Business at TCU, the Moritz family has given a separate $500,000 to Esperanza International to support the microfinance loan program